How to Register
To participate in the Field Shadowing Program or Career Exploration Project, you must complete two steps:
- Attend one of the required info sessions on September 14th or September 17th
- Register by October 9th and submit your résumé through the online application
*Important deadlines will be covered at the required info session. Failure to comply with these deadlines may compromise your eligibility to participate in the program.
Selection Process
The Field Shadowing Program and Unpaid Career Exploration Projects use a lottery process for participants to select their opportunity. More details and information are shared after a student completes the registration process. Sponsors who offer Unpaid Career Exploration Projects must ensure they meet the six federal guidelines set by the FLSA. Once you select a Field Shadowing Program or Unpaid Career Exploration Project in the lottery, you are expected to complete that opportunity.
Paid Career Exploration Projects
There are a limited number of Paid Career Exploration Projects available each year. For these opportunities, the sponsors have the option to select a particular participant to fill the position through a résumé collection and an interview. All paid opportunities are posted in Handshake and participants will be notified if they are selected prior to the Unpaid Career Exploration Project lottery. This prior notice allows for those students not selected still have the chance to select an unpaid position.
Independent Opportunities
Although OCS has attempted to expand our geographic base for available career exploration opportunities, we are not able to guarantee that we will have an existing opportunity in everyone’s preferred location. In these cases, it is possible to work with a career advisor in OCS to conduct an independent search. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please schedule an appointment with one of our advisors through Chatter.
What if my plans change?
Students are expected to honor their Field Shadowing Program or Career Exploration Project commitments. Please determine your availability prior to selecting an opportunity on the lottery day. It would be valuable to speak with your family about the program prior to selecting an opportunity to verify plans for the dates allotted and if you will have access to transportation.
If you are participating in Greek Life recruitment, please verify those dates and select opportunities that fit with your availability. If an unforeseeable circumstance impacts your participation, please notify your sponsor and our office immediately at ilrcareers@cornell.edu .